THE SAINTE CATHERINES

Leave it to a bunch of Montreal punks to remind us all that decent, catchy melodies plus punk rock doesn't have to equal the usual vapid Simple Plan-esque cheese that the latest MuchMusic generation may expect out of Canada these days. Shit, no. On their debut for the big-time American indie label, the band rips through a dozen totally fun, anthemic rockers with the intensity of Leatherface and Strike Anywhere. Like all good hard-working punks, the Catherines can mix up personal politics and activism with irreverent, self-deprecating humour to deliver songs that are smart, earnest and memorable.